£6bn for UK’s EV charging infrastructure

Newly formed industry association ChargeUK will provide investment for, install and operate new charging points by 2030.  

The UK currently boasts some 40,000 public charge points for electric vehicles (EVs). ChargeUK, an organisation comprised of 18 major charging point installers, aims to double that number within the next year.

Yet their focus is less on absolute numbers and more about availability, to ensure that drivers can access the right kind of charge – whether slow, fast or rapid – when and wherever they need it in the UK. 

Ian Johnston, Chair of ChargeUK and CEO of Osprey Charging Network, says: ‘The formation of ChargeUK is an exciting day and is a demonstration of the electric vehicle charging industry’s growing size and importance to the UK economy.’ 

‘Together we are investing billions of pounds to get more charge points in the ground right across the country. These numbers reinforce our commitment to the UK’s Net Zero future. We will continue to be a proactive partner to Government as we deliver a world-class charging infrastructure, giving the nation’s drivers confidence to transition to electric vehicles.’ 

Jesse Norman is Minister of State in the Department for Transport with special responsibility for decarbonisation and technology. He says: ‘The launch of ChargeUK shows how industry working together, alongside the Government, can release private investment, improve delivery, raise standards and promote the use of electric vehicle charging infrastructure for drivers across the country.’ 

‘Our commitment to decarbonising transport, backed by hundreds of millions in funding, has helped to unlock private sector investment, and the ambitious plans of ChargeUK’s members will support more people than ever make the transition to EVs.’ 

In launching this £6bn investment, ChargeUK said they would work also collaboratively with government and other stakeholders to shape policies and regulation, aiming to play a, ‘vital role in helping the UK transition to Net Zero. The UK is among the world’s leading nations for EV infrastructure, offering a key advantage as the world works to achieve its climate goals.’ 

The 18 founding members of Charge UK are: Be.EV; Believ; bp pulse; char.gy: ChargePoint; Connected Kerb; ESB; evyve; Fastned; Genie Point; Gridserve; Ionity; Mer; Osprey; Pod Point; PoGo Charge; RAW Charging; and Shell Recharge. 

In related news, new data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows 40.7 million vehicles on British roads – the highest figure ever – but electric vehicles and other tech has cut average CO2 emissions. 

Photo by Robert Linder